Buying Melita Malta SIM cards & eSIMs: Detailed Guide

Published: July 2024

Melita Malta SIM cards and eSIM options provide tourists with reliable connectivity during their stay in Malta.

In this guide, we explore the Melita Malta SIM cards & eSIMs options, helping you understand what Melita offers. You’ll learn about Melita’s coverage, speed, different SIM card options, prices, and where to purchase them. Plus, we’ll discuss how to top up your Melita SIM and suggest a better alternative.

In this article

I. Overview about Melita Malta – What you need to know

Melita Limited is a Maltese telecommunications company offering cable television, mobile telephone, broadband Internet, and fixed-line telephone services.

Foundation: Established in 1992 (32 years ago)
Popularity: Melita operates primarily in Malta. It does not have a significant international presence.
Rank in Malta: Melita is one of the major telecom providers in Malta.
Coverage: Melita’s mobile network coverage is strong in populated areas of Malta, including Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s. Coverage may be weaker in some rural or remote areas.
Speed: Melita offers reasonably fast internet, though not exceptional.

Highlights:

First company to offer high-definition television in Malta (2010)
Acquired by EQT AB in May 2019
Launched a Machine to Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity brand for businesses across Europe in October 2019
Established a charitable foundation in 2020 with initial funding of €500,000

II. Melita Coverage in Malta

Source: nperf.com

Melita Mobile shows impressive coverage in Malta, with a strong signal presence across the island, particularly in urban areas. Based on the coverage map provided by nPerf.com, here’s an analysis of Melita Mobile’s coverage in Malta:

Strengths:

Wide coverage in urban areas, including popular tourist destinations like Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s.
Strong signal presence in major cities like Birkirkara, Qormi, and Mosta.
Good coverage in coastal areas, including Marsaskala, Paola, and Żurrieq.

Weaknesses:

Weaker signal presence is present in rural areas, particularly in the north and south of the island.
Some gaps in coverage in smaller towns and villages.

In general, Melita has a slightly better coverage area compared to GO Mobile, particularly in urban areas. Epic Mobile has a smaller coverage area than Melita Mobile, with a weaker signal presence in rural areas.

III. Melita Speed in Malta

Source: speedtest.net

According to Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q4 2022, Melita’s mobile internet speed in Malta lags significantly behind its competitors.

Median Download Speed: 17.07 Mbps (compared to GO’s 71.90 Mbps and Epic’s 59.98 Mbps)
Median Multi-Server Latency: 44 ms (higher than GO’s 32 ms, but better than Epic’s 64 ms)
Consistency: 68.5% (the lowest among the three providers, with GO at 92.5% and Epic at 90.7%)

In general, Melita’s performance is notably weaker than its competitors. Its median download speed is less than a third of GO’s and about a quarter of Epic’s, indicating a significant network capacity or infrastructure gap.

While Melita’s latency is middling, its consistency score suggests that users may experience more variable performance than other providers. This data points to a need for substantial improvements in Melita’s network to compete effectively in Malta’s mobile internet market.

IV. Types of Melita Malta SIM Cards Options for Tourists

Melita offers three main types of SIM card options for tourists in Malta:

Prepaid SIM Card
eSIM
Green SIM

Comparison Table of Melita SIM Card Options for Tourists

Feature	Prepaid SIM Card	eSIM	Green SIM
Activation	Physical card, needs to be inserted	Digital activation, no physical card	Physical card, made from degradable material
Convenience	Requires physical handling	Instant activation, no physical handling	Requires physical handling
Environmental Impact	Traditional plastic SIM cards	Environmentally friendly, no plastic	Made from ABS, a degradable material
Security	Susceptible to loss or theft	More secure, less risk of theft	Similar to traditional SIMs

► Recommendation: For tourists in Malta, using an eSIM is super convenient. eSIMs save you from the hassle of handling physical SIM cards and provide instant activation, which is perfect for travelers. Plus, eSIMs are more secure and eco-friendly, fitting right in with sustainable travel practices.

V. Top Melita Malta SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

Melita Malta offers a range of prepaid SIM cards for tourists, providing data, calls, and SMS bundles.

Pass S: 1 GB data, free calls to Melita numbers, 100 minutes to other numbers, 100 SMS – €2.50
Pass M: 20 GB data, free calls to Melita numbers, 200 minutes to other numbers, 200 SMS – €5
Pass L: 40 GB data, free calls to Melita numbers, 200 minutes to other numbers, 200 SMS – €7.50

Melita’s plans offer a reasonable price point and a decent range of data and call packages. However, compared to GO & Epic, their plans might lack features like unlimited calls to all numbers or larger data bundles.

Note: Getting a network SIM card in Malta can be tricky. You'll usually need a passport or another ID, and the network might not sell SIM cards directly to tourists. Buying a tourist SIM card before your trip to Malta is a good idea. This way, you'll have a smooth experience once you get there.

VI. Where to buy Melita Malta SIM cards for tourists?

Tourists visiting Malta have two main options for purchasing Melita SIM cards: in Malta’s city centers or online before departure. Let’s explore each option in detail.

1. Buy Melita SIM in Malta city center

After settling in, tourists can buy Melita Malta SIM cards in popular Maltese cities like Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s. You’ll find them at:

Melita retail stores
Some convenience stores and supermarkets
Major train stations

Use Google Maps to locate nearby sellers. Some options include:

Melita Store, Republic Street, Valletta
Tech.mt, Triq San Ġorġ, St Julian’s
Smart Supermarket, Qui-si-sana Place, Sliema

The buying process in the city:

Requires personal information registration
Is more time-consuming than airport purchase
Offers lower prices compared to airport options
May not be ideal for tourists with limited time

2. Buy Melita Malta SIM card online before departure

This proactive approach is often the most convenient for tourists. You can purchase from:

Travel SIM websites
Online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay

The online purchasing process:

Requires basic information (name, phone number, shipping address)
No need for a passport presentation
SIM card delivered to your home before your trip
Often offers competitive pricing

Many travelers prefer this method for its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Plus, you’ll have your SIM ready when you land in beautiful Malta!

VII. Where to Buy Melita Malta eSIM for Tourists?

When you arrive in Malta, you’ll want to focus on exploring this beautiful island, not dealing with bureaucratic red tape. By buying an eSIM online, you’ll skip the registration process and get connected instantly. No need to present your passport or fill out lengthy forms – just scan the QR code, and you’re good to go!

At Gigago, we offer a convenient and affordable Malta eSIM package that uses Melita Malta and Epic Malta’s services. With our eSIM, you’ll enjoy:

Daily 500MB to Unlimited data plans
3-30 days validity
Coverage across Malta
Hotspot/tethering enabled
No top-up required

Specifically, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500MB/day for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Malta eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 .

Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Malta; there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VIII. How to top up Melita Malta SIM Card?

You can top up your Melita Malta SIM card in several ways:

1. Via MyMelita App:

Log in to the MyMelita app using your email and password.
Select ‘My Top Ups’ from the main menu.
Enter the Melita mobile number you wish to top up.
Choose ‘Using a Credit or Debit Card.’
Select the top-up amount and complete the payment by entering your card details.

2. Using a Credit or Debit Card:

Log in to your MyMelita account on the website.
Select ‘My Top Ups’ from the main menu.
Enter the mobile number and choose the credit/debit card payment option.
Enter the desired top-up amount and submit the payment securely.

3. Using a Top-Up Voucher:

Purchase a top-up voucher.
Log in to your MyMelita account.
Select ‘My Top Ups’ and enter the mobile number.
Choose the voucher option and enter the voucher code to complete the top-up.

IX. FAQs about Melita Malta SIM Cards

How do I port my existing number to Melita?

Purchase a Melita SIM, complete the mobile porting form, and submit it with a copy of your ID to [email protected] or visit a Melita outlet.

Can I stop Auto Top Up?

Yes, you can stop Auto Top Up anytime through the MyMelita app by selecting the appropriate option in the top-up settings.

How do I check my remaining balance?

You can check your balance by logging into the MyMelita app or by dialing *121# on your phone.

Can I use my Melita SIM card abroad?

Yes, Melita SIM cards support roaming. Check the MyMelita app for specific international rates and roaming options.

X. Conclusion

Buying Melita Malta SIM cards & eSIM opens up a world of possibilities, making every call and text count. Their packages give you great value and reliable coverage, so staying in touch with loved ones is a breeze. Try an eSIM for unmatched convenience and security. Imagine a worry-free, smooth experience. Switch to a Gigago Malta eSIM today and enjoy the freedom of instant connectivity.